Senior Exercise Directory
Exercise in older adults is very important for balance, heart health, muscle strength, blood circulation, and more. Exercise may be something fun, like playing golf or tennis, or something very simple such as taking the stairs or parking farther away from the grocery store so you take more steps. Tai chi and yoga are great exercises for those wishing to increase their balance and muscle tone. Water exercises are gentle on the joints but great for your heart and lungs. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how exercise benefits seniors, which exercises are most effective, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Physical Activity as You Get Older-Topic Overview
It's never too late to start getting active. Being fit is important for everyone. You can benefit from physical activity even if you think of yourself as elderly or you already have conditions such as arthritis or heart disease. Being more active will help you feel better and may even help you live longer.If you haven't been active for a long time, you may have no idea where to start. The important thing is to take that first step—and make that first step a small one.Be smart about exerciseTalk to your doctor before you start a fitness program, especially if you are older or worried about how exercise might affect your health. You may have health problems that limit what you can do.Don't overdo it! If it hurts, stop. Some minor soreness or stiffness is to be expected at first, but pain is a warning sign to stop.If you have been inactive for years, start with about 5 to 10 minutes of activity at a time, and increase your time as you get more comfortable with the
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Exercising While Sitting Down-Topic Overview
You may already know that being more active is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and quality of life. But you may wonder how you can be active if you can't stand up to exercise. No matter how old you are,how fit you are,or what health problems you have,there is a form of exercise that will work for you. This topic covers three light exercise programs to help get you ...
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Preventing Falls: Exercises for Strength and Balance-Get started
WebMD identifies some balance-improving exercises like Tai Chi and leg bends and raises.
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Quick Tips: Having Enough Energy to Stay Active-Get started
You may be worried about having enough energy to exercise. These tips can help. And remember this: Exercise can actually give you more energy. After they start to be more active,most people feel more energetic throughout the day. Eat a balanced diet Unless you're exercising for an hour or more,you don't need to eat more calories or eat special foods for energy. A balanced diet will give ...
Features
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Senior Fitness: Why It's Never Too Late to Start
Even people in their 70s and 80s gain benefit when they start to exercise -- as long as they do it safely.
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Over 40, Fit, and Ready to Bare Arms
Many older, high-profile women are fit and toned. Is that realistic for the rest of us?
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Let the Senior Games Begin
One sign of the growing presence of vigorous older people is the National Senior Games Association, a not-for-profit entity that promotes health and fitness and coordinates state Senior Games and Senior Olympics organizations.
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Fitness for the Long Term
You don't have to be a Senior Olympian or a genetically souped-up centenarian to reap the rewards of exercise and good nutrition. It is never too soon, or too late to start getting in shape.
Video
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Can I Reverse Years of Neglecting My Health?
Lifestyle medicine specialist, James Rippe, MD, talks about how to get back on the right path to health.
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How to Exercise After 55
Laura Corio, MD, talks about the types of exercise needed for women age 55 and over.
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Tai Chi Strengthens Mind and Body
Tai Chi’s focus on posture and body placement may add benefits beyond what cardiovascular or resistance-training can provide.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: 18 Secrets for a Longer Life
Friends are a surprisingly strong influence on how long you live -- for better or worse. Our slideshow explains this and other secrets of longevity.
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Relax and Rest
Picture of how to do the relax and rest position ; Lie on your back with a rolled towel under your neck and a pillow under your knees. Extend your arms comfortably to your sides. Relax and breathe normally. Remain in this position for about 10 minutes. If you can,do this 2 or 3 times each day. ...
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Pursed-Lip Breathing and Breathing While Bending Forward
Breathing while bending forward can help you breathe more easily while you are exercising or resting.
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Slideshow: Active Living with Osteoarthritis
You don't have to sacrifice your favorite activities when you have arthritis. Use these tips to keep up your active lifestyle.
Quizzes
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Quiz: Our Bodies as We Age
Do you know what to expect as you age? Take this quiz to find out how your body changes and to prepare for what’s ahead.
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Weight and Aging Myths: Metabolism, Sarcopenia, Menopause, and More
It's true: It does get harder to keep your weight steady as you get older. But it's not just about what you eat. Take this quiz to see how much you know about weight and aging.